EU Divided Over 15% Gas Demand Reduction Plan... Southern Europe Opposition Intensifies

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The European Union (EU) Commission's mandatory reduction proposal aimed at decreasing dependence on Russian natural gas is stirring controversy even before its implementation due to opposition from member states. Southern European countries, which have relatively low dependence on Russian natural gas, are protesting against being subjected to the same reduction rates as Northern European countries with higher dependence, making the approval of the reduction plan expected to face difficulties.

According to Politico on the 24th (local time), five countries?Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Poland?announced their opposition on the 20th to the EU Commission's proposal for a mandatory 15% reduction in gas usage for member states.

The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed for approval at the EU Energy Ministers' meeting on the 26th. For approval, it requires the unconditional support of the top 15 countries holding more than 65% of the EU population. With five countries already declaring opposition, concerns are rising that approval is nearly impossible.

Currently, the 15% mandatory reduction proposal is supported by Northern European countries with high dependence on Russian oil, such as Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. However, criticism is spreading, especially from Southern European countries with relatively low dependence, arguing that applying the same reduction rate is unfair.

In Hungary's case, the controversy is further intensified as it disregards sanctions against Russia and has requested additional gas supplies from Russia. On the 21st, P?ter Szijj?rt?, Hungary's Foreign Minister, visited Moscow and requested an additional 700 million cubic meters of gas, with Russia expressing a positive stance toward considering the request.

As the EU's division deepens more than expected, the gas reduction plan is anticipated to be significantly scaled back from the original plan. According to major foreign media, the draft reduction plan being prepared within the EU includes various exceptions, such as reducing the reduction rate for member states that hold additional gas supplies to supply other EU countries or exempting reductions for certain key industries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.